Increase in Solo Dining Reservations Reported by OpenTable

Reservations for solo dining have increased by 23% over the past year, according to booking app OpenTable. This trend may reflect a growing phenomenon in America, where solo diners express that eating alone provides an opportunity for reflection and enjoyment. Veronica Selzler, a 36-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., shared her experience of taking herself on solo outings, where she engages with her meal more fully without distractions. OpenTable data indicates that solo diners spend an average of $94, which is 7% higher than the previous year, compared to $60 for all party sizes. Notably, solo reservations on Thursdays have risen by 25%, with 3 p.m. bookings gaining popularity, although 6 p.m. remains the most common time. The analysis by OpenTable was based on online reservations made at U.S. restaurants from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, compared to the same period the previous year.